“In Our Hearts”We thought of you with love today,
But that is nothing new.
We thought about you yesterday,
And the days before that too.
We think of you in silence.
We often speak your name.
Now all we have is memories,
And your picture in a frame.
Your memory is our keepsake,
With which we’ll never part.
God has you in His keeping,
We have you in our heart.
Peacefully at the Alexandra Marine & General Hospital, Goderich ON., on December 31, 2023, in his 91st year. Beloved husband of Phyllis (Glen) Feagan. Loving father of Brenda McAlpine [deceased February 6, 2021] (Bob), and Jeff Feagan (Sharm). Cherished grandfather of Bradley, Ashley, Hannah and Isabella. Loving brother of Sheila McAllister (Ken [deceased August 10, 2010.])
Born on March 9, 1933, John grew up on the Feagan homestead in Colborne Township, riding horses, milking cows, planting crops and attending the one room schoolhouse known as Cedar Valley SS No. 8. His parents Adelaide and Howard Feagan instilled in him the love of opening his home to family, friends, and neighbours; no invitation was ever necessary in the Feagan household. He spent his entire life working hard on the farm, experiencing the changes from horses and thrashing machines to today’s modern equipment. He ingrained in his family a pride of hard work, attention to detail and a passion for taking care of the land. John lived his life to the fullest through his various hobbies of snowshoeing, hunting, skiing, and flying in the Tiger Moth. He knew how to appreciate the little things, like a rum and ginger, playing cards with neighbours, a nap by the fire, or a drive with Phyllis to get ice cream and watch the sunset. He became an avid golfer and cherished games three times a week with his golf buddies. John’s legacy lives in the homes of so many as he created and shared his beautiful and intricate woodworking projects. Most of all, he was especially proud to be a steward of the land he farmed, the life he built with Phyllis, and the achievements of his family. His memory will live on in his stories and good times we shared with him.
Funeral Service to take place at McCallum and Palla Funeral Home on Thursday, January 4, 2024 at 2 pm. Following the service, internment Colborne Cemetery and the family invites you to a further time of remembrance and conversation at the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 109. In lieu of flowers, donations to Alexandra Marine & General Hospital, Crohn’s & Colitis Canada or a charity of your choice can be made through McCallum and Palla.
Shared by Steven Feagan
We are always willing to go where called upon but this image shows a visual of the communities that our included in our initial transportation fee. We offer a 40km radius from any of our 5 locations (Arva (London), Exeter, Lucan, Seaforth, and Zurich). Any mileage beyond the included 40km will be charged a rate of $2.50/km (one way travel only).
Sheila McAllister
Dear John: When you were a little boy you were given duties to do – look after your little sister Sheila while the chores and fieldwork was being done. Well, I was a “terror on wheels” but you tried your best.
Your school chums from Cedar Valley school remained your friends for life.
You got married, raised a wonderful family and have lovely grandchildren. You worked hard, played hard, and achieved much happiness and sorrow – one that never left.
The crown jewel was March 2023, your 90th birthday. Friends, neighbours and family showed you how much you were respected.
Well John, your duties are done, and you can go and get a “hole in one” and meet Brenda on the last green.
I will miss you very much.
Your Sister,
Sheila
Dean Willems
I just heard from my mother Helen of John’s passing and am sorry to hear this news and of your loss. Our whole Willems family remembers all the great times we have shared together, Les and John golfing, Dean and Pete working on the farm, all of the great visits with the Feagan family and the great care you have shown Helen over the years. We pray for the family and rejoice in a wonderful life lived.
Marlene Beyerlein
Phyllis, Sheila & Families Our sincere condolences to you and your families. Thinking of you all at this very sad time.
Marlene, Kaethi & Fritz Beyerlein
evelyn vincent
Phyllis and family
So sorry to ready of John’s passing. A good man and always ready to chat.
May the good memories help bring peace and comfort
Marianne Doak
Phyllis and family
I was very sad to hear of John’s passing. I will miss him coming into Home Hardware to give me a hard time. I always enjoyed our conversations. He always made my day when he would come in even if it was just to say Hello and that I needed to get back to work. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers and that John will never be forgotten.
He has left me with everlasting memories which I will always cherish. You are in my heart and always will be.
Gayle Wilson
Just learned of John’s passing. When I last saw you last fall, I said I was coming out to see you both. While living a very quiet life here, the world is continuing to fly by. I am so sorry that I did not follow through, as I would have enjoyed visiting with you and John. You and your family have my heartfelt sympathy in John’s passing. You are lovely people and John will be remembered by us all.
Irene Araujo
We’re very sorry for your loss. Wishing you peace and fond memories during this time. As a family we remember our weekend adventures in Goderich and the joy John brought to those times.
All the best,
Frank and Irene Araujo
Chad Bogie
Phyllis, I’m so sorry for your loss. I really enjoyed working on your farm, you and John were always very kind to me. I have fond memories of John joking around, he had a great sense of humour. My sincerest condolences. Chad Bogie
Don and Nancy Belson
We were saddened to learn of John’s passing. We fondly remember chatting with John at the many Gutsy Walks he attended with Phyllis where they proudly supported Brenda, family and friends every year in Erindale Park. We have one of the charcuterie boards he crafted and we think of the Feagan McAlpine family every time we use it. May your memories of a life well lived bring you comfort. Love, Don and Nancy
Fred and Kathy Lobb
Phyllis and Family. We are saddened at the passing of a man who had time for a conversation that was always entertaining. We appreciated him as a customer and in latter years as a golfing compatriot. Please accept our most heartfelt condolences.
Fred & Kathy Lobb
Barbara Martin
Sincere condolences to Phyllis and family on the loss of John. Remember the good memories and good time together.
Dave and Mary Bedour
We always enjoyed a good conversation with John at Woodlands. He will be missed.
Ron Sowerby
Sincerest condolences to Phyllis, Kevin and all Families. John was such a wonderful man. Great memories of a great person. He loved to skate at Memorial Arena for years. And loved his golf too!
Cam Addison
Dear Phyllis and family,
Please accept my sincere sympathies for your loss of John. He was a great guy. I have some great memories of him on the golf course. Your memories must be beyond number.
He always had at least one puffball as a gift every year. We always enjoyed his complaining of the cost of farming and his good sense of humour
Linda and Jerry Allin
Our heartfelt condolences to you Phyllis and all of John’s family. He is going to be missed by many including his golf buddies. As the one who rode in the cart with John, thanks for all the bumpy rides buddy. I will miss those. Rest In Peace my friend.
Sarah Glen
True to his open heart and care of the land, John invited us into his home with graciousness and generosity. “Grandpa John” to our 5-year-old, Aliya, we will always hold our memories of John as special treasures in our hearts – watching egrets in the pond, turkeys in the field, listening to his stories at dusk on his porch, flying drones with Yan. We know he will continue to watch over all of us. We love you John. – Sarah, Yan and Aliya ❤️
Greg Burns
My condolences to John’s family. A true gentleman. Will miss his stories sitting around the table at Woodlands.
Jane & Larry Boyd
Sending our deepest condolences to Phyllis and all the family!
Nancy White
My condolences to Phyllis and all of her family on John’s passing. Cherish your memories!!!
Cecelia Denomme
Dear Phyllis and family – You are close in our hearts – 💞’s – with sadness and special remembering .
Sincerely – Cecelia and Don
Dawn Cumming
Dear Phyllis and Family, We feel as though we have lost our brother..After church last Sunday, Bob, Karen, Clara Anne and I talked of missing you and John at Tim Horton’s lunch..Little did we know that John was leaving at that hour..We so enjoyed John’s company over the years since you came to Lakeshore United..Sunday will be very different without John’s friendship..John was the definition of “charm” with wonderful stories, a reassuring smile and a twinkle in his eyes..Visiting your welcoming home was a true delight..We send prayers to all the family as you grieve your awesome patriarch..We shall always be thankful that John was part of our friendship group..We will think of John when the soybean crop is ready..Hugs and love to Phyllis, Dawn and Bob.
Dawn Sowerby
Dear Phyllis, Jeff, grandchildren and Sheila.
We are so sorry to hear John has passed and send our sincere condolences. Donald is going to miss their telephone chats about farming, hunting and woodworking.
Susan and Barry Bradley
Sincere condolences to Phyllis, Jeff and families. Thinking of you all at this very sad time.
Byron Hodgson
A wonderful kind man and family. Losing a loved one is never easy no matter the age or circumstances. I hope you all can take some small comfort knowing you are all in the thoughts of many. Bless you all.-Byron, Tina and Family.
Steven Jessop
I remember meeting John for the first when delivering the Toronto Star papers for Frank Weeks to my Dad’s store the News Depot in Stratford. I always was glad when John had to deliver the papers and enjoyed talking and smiling together. I will never forget him or his smile. My condolences Phyllis and family. Steve Jessop
Sharon Willis-Whitwell
Joy and sorrow co-mingle as I think about John and Phyllis, his mom Adelaide, Brenda, Bob, Jeff, Sharm, Bradley, Ashley, and Isabella and the stamp on my heart because they became family over the years. Today, on the one hand, sorrow that John died, but on the other hand, deep, deep joy that he truly lived, and modeled for so many of us how to live. Creativity, stewardship of the land, a love of children and so much more – the memories tumble over and over in my mind as I write.
With much love and deep affection, Sharon
Steven Feagan
I had shot a deer at the back of our farm. I required help to dress it. I realized John had “Hung up his guns” (retired) from hunting a few years earlier. I gave him a call, he said, “ I’ll be right there!”. Not long after his headlights on his four wheeler had found me. He helped me by holding and positioning the deer while I did the work. The whole time he thanked me for including him in the hunt and sharing many of his hunting memories that he had with other members of our family. I was really happy to have him with me that evening. It was a good night.
Lucinda Jerry
Phyllis and family, I am sorry to hear of John’s passing.
John was a man of many talents who enjoyed a bit of ” devilment” and a good story. A loss for sure.
Caring thoughts from Lucinda and Rob Jerry
Ralph, Dianne, Janelle and Katie Wood and families
John told the best stories with always a twinkle in his eye. His large circle of friends came to celebrate with John at his 90th birthday party. He greeted everyone with a smile but wanted no fuss. John will sure be missed by Phyllis, his family, friends and neighbours. We will cherish our fond memories. Keep an eye on the crops from above the big hill, “John”. Another bright star shines down from Heaven .
Jack McGregor
My sincere condolences to the Feagan family. Cherish the memories, I will miss you at the golf course.
Allison Scott
We met John and Phyllis through our darling friend Brenda, when our children were very young and we were welcomed to Feagandale Farm like we were family. We enjoyed winter adventures of tobogganing, snowmobiling, wiener roasts in the bush, fires in the “red neck” fire pit and star gazing. John was always so happy to see us and he and Phyllis opened their home to our motley crew. We seemed to take over the rec room in those days with all the kids wet mittens, winter coats and snow pants drying by the fire that John so tenderly built. He was so proud of his farm and he looked after his property with such love and care. We always enjoy the spectacular views and he would have us look through his binoculars at the wild turkeys and deer. One summer we visited with Bob and Brenda and before heading out for some drinks on the patio at the Beach Street Station, we picked a particular weed out of the soybean field…John instructed us on what to do and where to go…we were so happy to help out, and his field looked spectacular!! This past summer Bob and I visited John and Phyllis over the July 1st holiday and we had such a wonderful time…John was so proud to tour us around Goderich, the city he loved with all his heart. We saw beautiful sunsets, ate great meals and met his golfing buddies. We can’t believe he is gone, but we are so grateful he was part of our lives. We have so many wonderful memories to cherish and he will always be in our hearts. With love from Bob and Allison Scott (and Alec, Andrew & Meghan)
Bruce ,Selina, Chad Treble
We are so sorry to hear about John he sure was a great neighbor and friend we will certainly miss our conversations with him condolences and hugs to all
Lawrence Charlton
Cherish the memories that I had golfing with John and the friendship we had.